Perimenopause & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | Hyperbaric House Manchester

Perimenopause is a major hormonal transition marked by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. These shifts can affect mood, cognition, sleep, energy, and skin health — often years before menopause itself.

Because these changes can be disruptive, many women explore supportive wellness therapies alongside medical care. One therapy gaining attention is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

While HBOT is not a treatment for perimenopause, certain physiological effects of HBOT overlap with systems affected during the menopausal transition. Here’s a science-grounded look at what HBOT is, what research shows, and why some women choose it as part of a broader wellbeing plan.

HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurised chamber, which significantly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood and delivered to tissues.

It is medically recognised for conditions such as:

• Wound healing and chronic ischemia

• Radiation injury

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Certain infections

📚 General HBOT overview:
• Mayo Clinic – HBOT: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380
• FDA consumer update: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-dont-be-misled

Dropping estrogen influences blood flow and neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

📚 Evidence:
• The North American Menopause Society – Cognitive changes in midlife: https://www.menopause.org
• Harvard Health – Menopause & memory: https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/menopause-and-your-brain

Hormonal instability affects metabolic rate, sleep, and cellular energy processes.

📚 Evidence:
• National Institute on Ageing — Symptoms of menopause: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause
• NIH Sleep Research on midlife women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32227352/

Estrogen interacts with serotonin, dopamine, and stress-response pathways.

📚 Evidence:
• NAMS — Mood & menopause: https://www.menopause.org
• NIH review on estrogen and mood regulation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28957039/

Estrogen decline leads to thinner skin, reduced collagen, and decreased circulation.

📚 Evidence:
• Estrogen & skin ageing review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18046902/

HBOT influences several physiological systems that overlap with common perimenopausal symptoms:

1. Improved Oxygen Delivery & Cellular Energy

HBOT supports mitochondrial function and energy production.

📚 Evidence:
• Effects on mitochondrial function – NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26722818/
• Tissue oxygenation science: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16965918/

2. Cognitive & Neuroprotective Effects

Some studies show HBOT improves blood flow and cognitive performance in unrelated conditions like mild cognitive impairment.

📚 Evidence:
• HBOT & neuroplasticity research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23367854/
• Cerebral blood flow improvements: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30394206/

3. Anti-inflammatory & Circulation Effects

HBOT can influence inflammatory markers and microcirculation.

📚 Evidence:
• Inflammation modulation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28728046/
• Microcirculation improvements: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12735854/

4. Skin & Collagen Support

HBOT stimulates tissue repair and collagen-related processes.

📚 Evidence:
• Collagen synthesis effects: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19382722/
• Skin healing & oxygen research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10717274/

HBOT is supportive for wellness, not a menopause therapy, but these mechanisms explain why women explore it for energy, cognition, and skin health.

• ❌ Does not balance hormones

• ❌ Does not treat or cure perimenopause

• ❌ Does not replace HRT or medical therapy

• ❌ Does not stop menopause

It may support overall well-being as part of a holistic plan.

HBOT is generally safe in certified clinics.

Potential risks:

• Untreated pneumothorax or lung disease

• Acute sinus or ear issues

• Recent ear surgery

Professional screening is essential.

📚 Safety reference: Mayo Clinic HBOT Risks

Some women using HBOT for wellness describe:

• Better cognitive clarity

• Increased energy

• Calmer mood

• Reduced inflammation or aches

• Improved sleep

• Healthier-looking skin

Experiences vary and are not guaranteed.

Most women use HBOT alongside:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) if indicated

• Nutrition & supplementation

• Stress reduction practices

• Strength training & sleep optimisation

HBOT is a complementary wellness tool, not a replacement for medical care.

For women curious whether HBOT could support them through perimenopause, Hyperbaric House in Manchester is a leading wellness clinic offering tailored HBOT programs. Their expert practitioners can help assess your health, guide session planning, and support your wellbeing goals.

Take the first step toward feeling more energised, clear-headed, and supported — book a consultation at Hyperbaric House today.

1. Consult your GP before starting any HBOT sessions.

2. Book a consultation with a reputable clinic, like Hyperbaric House, Manchester.

3. Set realistic expectations: HBOT is supportive, not curative, for perimenopause symptoms.

4. Monitor and record your response to sessions for your own assessment.